Computer refuses to POST after absolutely any OC.

[nathandaniels]

Alright I came to this website after others have failed me on this problem.

Before we begin, here is a screen-shot of the relevant part of my BIOS at factory default settings (except for the RAM timings)

Yes, I change the performance enhancer to Standard before doing anything. Turbo is just the factory default.

Here's my situation: I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 and a Gigabyte P35-S3G MB. I have heard that the E8400 was a dream to OC but I have to disagree.

I can bring the CPU speed up just a few MHz but when I restart, the computer fails to POST* and resets all BIOS settings to factory (which after several dozen times get REALLLY annoying).

Keep in mind I am tuning back the memory multiplier to keep the RAM speed well below it's rated 1066 MHz. I have read on this forum that I should have a 1:1 ratio but that's impossible. The lowest ratio I can choose from is 2:1.

Now in my naive opinion, I don't think it's the CPU's fault. Because I did this...

As you can see, The CPU's speed is still at 3GHz and the RAM is well below the max allowed. Also, I have all voltages set to AUTO for the MB to decide what to use. And even this setup doesn't POST!!! What could possibly be wrong here?

It's no longer about the OCing to me. Now it's personal. This is my very first home-built PC and now I know there is something wrong with it and I want to find out what.


here are some trimmed down specs generated by CPU-Z that may be of use.

-------------------------
  CPU-Z version 1.47
-------------------------

Processors Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Processor 1 (ID = 0)
Number of cores		2 (max 2)
Number of threads	2 (max 2)
Name			Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Codename		Wolfdale
Specification		Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU     E8400  @ 3.00GHz
Package			Socket 775 LGA (platform ID = 0h)
CPUID			6.7.6
Extended CPUID		6.17
Core Stepping		C0
Technology		45 nm
Core Speed		2009.9 MHz (6.0 x 335.0 MHz)
Rated Bus speed		1340.0 MHz
Stock frequency		3000 MHz
Instructions sets	MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, EM64T
L1 Data cache		2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache	2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache		6144 KBytes, 24-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control		yes
FID range		6.0x - 9.0x
max VID			1.225 V
Features		XD, VT




Chipset
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northbridge		Intel P35/G33/G31 rev. A2
Southbridge		Intel 82801IB (ICH9) rev. 02
Graphic Interface	PCI-Express
PCI-E Link Width	x16
PCI-E Max Link Width	x16
Memory Type		DDR2
Memory Size		4096 MBytes
Channels		Dual (Symmetric)
Memory Frequency	536.0 MHz (5:8)
CAS#			5.0
RAS# to CAS#		5
RAS# Precharge		5
Cycle Time (tRAS)	15
Command Rate		2T



Memory SPD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM #1

General
Memory type		DDR2
Module format		Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID)	G.Skill (7F7F7F7FCD000000)
Size			2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth		PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number		F2-8500CL5-2GBPK

Attributes
Number of banks		2
Data width		64 bits
Correction		None
Nominal Voltage		1.80 Volts
EPP			yes (1 profiles)
XMP			no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz)		266	400	
CAS#			4.0	5.0	
RAS# to CAS# delay	4	5	
RAS# Precharge		4	5	
TRAS			10	15	
TRC			16	24	

EPP profile 1 (full)
Voltage level		2.100 Volts
Address Command Rate	2T
Cycle time		1.875 ns (533.3 MHz)
tCL			5.0 clocks
tRCD			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRP			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRAS			15 clocks (28.00 ns)
tRC			48 clocks (90.00 ns)
tWR			13 clocks (24.00 ns)


DIMM #2

General
Memory type		DDR2
Module format		Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID)	G.Skill (7F7F7F7FCD000000)
Size			2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth		PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number		F2-8500CL5-2GBPK

Attributes
Number of banks		2
Data width		64 bits
Correction		None
Nominal Voltage		1.80 Volts
EPP			yes (1 profiles)
XMP			no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz)		266	400	
CAS#			4.0	5.0	
RAS# to CAS# delay	4	5	
RAS# Precharge		4	5	
TRAS			10	15	
TRC			16	24	

EPP profile 1 (full)
Voltage level		2.100 Volts
Address Command Rate	2T
Cycle time		1.875 ns (533.3 MHz)
tCL			5.0 clocks
tRCD			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRP			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRAS			15 clocks (28.00 ns)
tRC			48 clocks (90.00 ns)
tWR			13 clocks (24.00 ns)



Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0	46°C (114°F) [0x36] (Core #0)
Temperature sensor 1	42°C (107°F) [0x3A] (Core #1)

Dump hardware monitor



Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

GeForce 9600 GT hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0	59°C (138°F) [0x3B] (GPU Core)

Dump hardware monitor



DMI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DMI BIOS
--------
	vendor		Award Software International, Inc.
	version		F4
	date		07/10/2008


DMI System Information
----------------------
	manufacturer	Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
	product		P35-S3G
	version		unknown
	serial		unknown
	UUID		00000000-00000000-0000001D-7DD21D70


DMI Baseboard
-------------
	vendor		Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
	model		P35-S3G
	revision	unknown
	serial		unknown


DMI System Enclosure
--------------------
	manufacturer	Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
	chassis type	Desktop
	chassis serial	unknown


DMI Processor
-------------
	manufacturer	Intel
	model		Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU
	clock speed	3015.0 MHz
	FSB speed	335.0 MHz
	multiplier	9.0x


DMI Memory Controller
---------------------
	correction	8-bit parity
	Max module size	1024 MBytes


Software
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Windows Version		Microsoft Windows Vista (6.1) Ultimate Edition   (Build 7100) 
DirectX Version		10.0

* I am not sure if I am using the phrase "fails to POST" correctly. The computer turns on, beeps once (which means a successful POST right?), shows me the Gigabyte logo screen, and then shuts off and resets settings.

 

[RJARRRPCGP]

Alright I came to this website after others have failed me on this problem.

Before we begin, here is a screen-shot of the relevant part of my BIOS at factory default settings (except for the RAM timings)

Yes, I change the performance enhancer to Standard before doing anything. Turbo is just the factory default.

Here's my situation: I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 and a Gigabyte P35-S3G MB. I have heard that the E8400 was a dream to OC but I have to disagree.

I can bring the CPU speed up just a few MHz but when I restart, the computer fails to POST* and resets all BIOS settings to factory (which after several dozen times get REALLLY annoying).

Keep in mind I am tuning back the memory multiplier to keep the RAM speed well below it's rated 1066 MHz. I have read on this forum that I should have a 1:1 ratio but that's impossible. The lowest ratio I can choose from is 2:1.

Now in my naive opinion, I don't think it's the CPU's fault. Because I did this...

As you can see, The CPU's speed is still at 3GHz and the RAM is well below the max allowed. Also, I have all voltages set to AUTO for the MB to decide what to use. And even this setup doesn't POST!!! What could possibly be wrong here?

It's no longer about the OCing to me. Now it's personal. This is my very first home-built PC and now I know there is something wrong with it and I want to find out what.


here are some trimmed down specs generated by CPU-Z that may be of use.

-------------------------
  CPU-Z version 1.47
-------------------------

Processors Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Processor 1 (ID = 0)
Number of cores		2 (max 2)
Number of threads	2 (max 2)
Name			Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Codename		Wolfdale
Specification		Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU     E8400  @ 3.00GHz
Package			Socket 775 LGA (platform ID = 0h)
CPUID			6.7.6
Extended CPUID		6.17
Core Stepping		C0
Technology		45 nm
Core Speed		2009.9 MHz (6.0 x 335.0 MHz)
Rated Bus speed		1340.0 MHz
Stock frequency		3000 MHz
Instructions sets	MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, EM64T
L1 Data cache		2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache	2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache		6144 KBytes, 24-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control		yes
FID range		6.0x - 9.0x
max VID			1.225 V
Features		XD, VT




Chipset
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northbridge		Intel P35/G33/G31 rev. A2
Southbridge		Intel 82801IB (ICH9) rev. 02
Graphic Interface	PCI-Express
PCI-E Link Width	x16
PCI-E Max Link Width	x16
Memory Type		DDR2
Memory Size		4096 MBytes
Channels		Dual (Symmetric)
Memory Frequency	536.0 MHz (5:8)
CAS#			5.0
RAS# to CAS#		5
RAS# Precharge		5
Cycle Time (tRAS)	15
Command Rate		2T



Memory SPD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM #1

General
Memory type		DDR2
Module format		Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID)	G.Skill (7F7F7F7FCD000000)
Size			2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth		PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number		F2-8500CL5-2GBPK

Attributes
Number of banks		2
Data width		64 bits
Correction		None
Nominal Voltage		1.80 Volts
EPP			yes (1 profiles)
XMP			no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz)		266	400	
CAS#			4.0	5.0	
RAS# to CAS# delay	4	5	
RAS# Precharge		4	5	
TRAS			10	15	
TRC			16	24	

EPP profile 1 (full)
Voltage level		2.100 Volts
Address Command Rate	2T
Cycle time		1.875 ns (533.3 MHz)
tCL			5.0 clocks
tRCD			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRP			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRAS			15 clocks (28.00 ns)
tRC			48 clocks (90.00 ns)
tWR			13 clocks (24.00 ns)


DIMM #2

General
Memory type		DDR2
Module format		Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID)	G.Skill (7F7F7F7FCD000000)
Size			2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth		PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number		F2-8500CL5-2GBPK

Attributes
Number of banks		2
Data width		64 bits
Correction		None
Nominal Voltage		1.80 Volts
EPP			yes (1 profiles)
XMP			no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz)		266	400	
CAS#			4.0	5.0	
RAS# to CAS# delay	4	5	
RAS# Precharge		4	5	
TRAS			10	15	
TRC			16	24	

EPP profile 1 (full)
Voltage level		2.100 Volts
Address Command Rate	2T
Cycle time		1.875 ns (533.3 MHz)
tCL			5.0 clocks
tRCD			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRP			5 clocks (9.25 ns)
tRAS			15 clocks (28.00 ns)
tRC			48 clocks (90.00 ns)
tWR			13 clocks (24.00 ns)



Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0	46°C (114°F) [0x36] (Core #0)
Temperature sensor 1	42°C (107°F) [0x3A] (Core #1)

Dump hardware monitor



Hardware monitor
-----------------------------------------------------

GeForce 9600 GT hardware monitor

Temperature sensor 0	59°C (138°F) [0x3B] (GPU Core)

Dump hardware monitor



DMI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DMI BIOS
--------
	vendor		Award Software International, Inc.
	version		F4
	date		07/10/2008


DMI System Information
----------------------
	manufacturer	Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
	product		P35-S3G
	version		unknown
	serial		unknown
	UUID		00000000-00000000-0000001D-7DD21D70


DMI Baseboard
-------------
	vendor		Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
	model		P35-S3G
	revision	unknown
	serial		unknown


DMI System Enclosure
--------------------
	manufacturer	Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
	chassis type	Desktop
	chassis serial	unknown


DMI Processor
-------------
	manufacturer	Intel
	model		Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU
	clock speed	3015.0 MHz
	FSB speed	335.0 MHz
	multiplier	9.0x


DMI Memory Controller
---------------------
	correction	8-bit parity
	Max module size	1024 MBytes


Software
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Windows Version		Microsoft Windows Vista (6.1) Ultimate Edition   (Build 7100) 
DirectX Version		10.0

* I am not sure if I am using the phrase "fails to POST" correctly. The computer turns on, beeps once (which means a successful POST right?), shows me the Gigabyte logo screen, and then shuts off and resets settings.

I dunno, but are any caps bulging or leaking?

The PSU may be the cause. Did you inspect the caps in your PSU?

 

[Trap05]

Could be anything...Is your bios up to date? Are you setting the proper timings and voltage for your ram? Put your full systems specs in your sig. FYI your version of CPUz is way out of date.

 

[nathandaniels]

Could be anything...Is your bios up to date? Are you setting the proper timings and voltage for your ram? Put your full systems specs in your sig. FYI your version of CPUz is way out of date.

In order:

1. yes
2. yes
3. I will when I can
4. Does that really matter? lol

 

[doz]

Change your performance enhancer. Why is it on Turbo? Doesnt need to be. Turn that off. That might be the cause.

**NM I see in the second shot you did.

Why is your ram at 5-7-7-20? Some ram cant run alot lower timings. I know with my OCZ DDR2 stuff, it wouldnt run 6-6-6 no matter what speed it was at, it would ONLY run at 5-5-5-15 timings. See if that might be affecting things.

And again, we need the specs. "I will when I can"... Why not just fill it out? It takes only seconds, alot less time than it did to make this entire post Cant help a person who doesnt want to help himself.

 

[Theocnoob]

In order:

1. yes
2. yes
3. I will when I can
4. Does that really matter? lol

Um, ya

 

[Theocnoob]

Change your performance enhancer. Why is it on Turbo? Doesnt need to be. Turn that off. That might be the cause.

**NM I see in the second shot you did.

Why is your ram at 5-7-7-20? Some ram cant run alot lower timings. I know with my OCZ DDR2 stuff, it wouldnt run 6-6-6 no matter what speed it was at, it would ONLY run at 5-5-5-15 timings. See if that might be affecting things.

And again, we need the specs. "I will when I can"... Why not just fill it out? It takes only seconds, alot less time than it did to make this entire post Cant help a person who doesnt want to help himself.

Ya seriously

 

[Hipcrostino]

the 5-7-7-20 timings appear to be the factory default when he resets the bios i would say. The pic shows that 5-5-5-15 is selected.

Have you tried leaving the multiplier at 9x instead of 8x. Some motherboards don't like certain multipliers. Put the ram at 2:1, set the multi to 9x and set the FSB to 350 (or somthing else that low) and see if it boots with that.

 

[doz]

Yeah, thats what I was wondering too. If he is dropping to 5-5-5-15, that could be the issue to if they dont want to run at that speed.

 

[nathandaniels]

the 5-7-7-20 timings appear to be the factory default when he resets the bios i would say. The pic shows that 5-5-5-15 is selected.

Have you tried leaving the multiplier at 9x instead of 8x. Some motherboards don't like certain multipliers. Put the ram at 2:1, set the multi to 9x and set the FSB to 350 (or somthing else that low) and see if it boots with that.

No luck. Kept the RAM timings at their factory defaults, set the CPU multiplier back to 9X and the memory multiplier back to 2X and the FSB to 350 and it still didn't POST. Tonight I will run memtest while I sleep and see what happens.

Change your performance enhancer. Why is it on Turbo? Doesnt need to be. Turn that off. That might be the cause.

**NM I see in the second shot you did.

Why is your ram at 5-7-7-20? Some ram cant run alot lower timings. I know with my OCZ DDR2 stuff, it wouldnt run 6-6-6 no matter what speed it was at, it would ONLY run at 5-5-5-15 timings. See if that might be affecting things.

And again, we need the specs. "I will when I can"... Why not just fill it out? It takes only seconds, alot less time than it did to make this entire post Cant help a person who doesnt want to help himself.

Okay the specs are in my Sig.

 

[nathandaniels]

Yeah, thats what I was wondering too. If he is dropping to 5-5-5-15, that could be the issue to if they dont want to run at that speed.

They run at that speed (5-5-5-15) just fine if I keep everything else normal.

 

[nzaneb]

Also, I have all voltages set to AUTO for the MB to decide what to use.

Don't do that. Make sure you at least set the Ram voltage manually. I could be wrong, but from your CPUZ dump it looks like they're only getting 1.8V, when they need 2.1 (per spec)

 

[MasterRy88]

^^^ agreed I hate letting the mobo set everything, it usually always gets at least one thing wrong, and in a world of expensive parts, thats a serious problem. Your def better off finding all the proper voltages of your components and dialing them in that way, dont lose hardware becasue a mobo's auto setting cant figure out what to set it at

 

[doz]

You need to set your CPU voltage and keep in mind that it will vdroop w/ that board fairly bad if I remember right. If you want 1.2v, plan on using around 1.3v in the bios (you will need to figure this out).

 

[heaven1102]

Thank you for your information



Computer

 

[Hipcrostino]

You need to set your CPU voltage and keep in mind that it will vdroop w/ that board fairly bad if I remember right. If you want 1.2v, plan on using around 1.3v in the bios (you will need to figure this out).

even then you can up the core speed a 100mhz or so on stock at least (oftern a lot more). There is somthing else at play here.

 

[nathandaniels]

The CUPz dump (even on the newest version) ALWAYS says 1.8v no matter what voltage I set for the RAM.

I have had suggestions that it may be my PSU but I don't see how that is. 450W seems fine for a system with 2 processor cores, 1 mid-end GPU, 1 HDD and 2 DVD drives.

Do you think my actual FSB or chipset is bad?

 

[doz]

CPUz wont give you your memory voltage. Only Vcore. It will give you the voltage its spec'ed out to be, but not the actual voltage.